Relaxation

QUICK escape ideas from Melbourne are in abundance. North, south, west or east, the variety is endless whether you’re wanting, beach, river, mountain ranges and snow fields, or open plains, caves or goldfields, or food and wine. But one that is only an hour and a half away is Spa Country and a little destination called Hepburn where cosmopolitan hamlets can be discovered, spa retreats await and natural charms of mineral springs are as fresh as you’ll find anywhere on the planet. There are dozens of great reasons to head to this gorgeous part of Victoria, with Hepburn Springs at the top of the list. Here are eight great reasons to set your sights on the Macedon Ranges and Daylesford/Hepburn country. 1. Steeped in history, Hepburn Springs is also steeped in Australia’s largest concentration of mineral springs, known for the health-enhancing minerals. Explore them at old-fashioned pumps and pipes in Hepburn Springs Mineral Springs Reserve. 2. Pack your golf clubs…

Bath houses, hot springs, thermal spas, relaxation … words that almost make you float into a travel destination rather than drive there. Peninsula Hot Springs stakes a claim as the “first natural hot springs and day spa centre in Victoria”, only a 90 minute road trip from Melbourne and one that delivers on everything it promises when it comes to natural thermal mineral waters that flow into the pools and private baths at the award-winning coastal escape. There are two specific areas at this hot springs Mornington Peninsula destination that deliver on some quality R&R and spa experiences. A private Spa Dreaming Centre is all about tranquil spaces, private pools pampering spa treatments to revitalise body, mind and spirit. The Bath House generally offers experiences for $40 per adult during peak periods (cheaper in the off season) as well as family specials if you want to take the whole clan there for some chill time in the 20 plus bathing…

THE Harbour City is overflowing with hotels, B&Bs, backpackers, hostels, apartments and more. When it comes to boutique hotels in Sydney or luxury accommodation, there is no better place than our NSW capital. Where to start? Here are five to ponder for your next Sydney visit. 1. QT Hotel, Market St, Sydney (right) Funky bar, slick restaurant, powerhouse design elements threaded throughout, bold and daring modern touches to complement the heritage architecture, and a location right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD in Market Street. QT is one of the smoothest movers on the boutique hotels Sydney scene with service second to none. Some awesome packages include booking your luxury accommodation and receiving one of a Spa Q treatment for two, or a brekky for two or dinner for two. More www.qtsydney.com.au 2. Blue Sydney – a Taj Hotel, the wharf at Woolloomooloo A very stylish award-winner set on the water, BLUE Sydney is a hotspot and is located at…

WHETHER you’re looking for stunning views of the city’s skyline, gardens or surrounding water, there are many places around Sydney where you can admire an incredible sunrise or sunset. Here are some of the best spots for a spectacular sunrise or sunset in Sydney. 1. Sydney Tower Eye Sydney’s tallest building is the first place in the city to witness dawn and the last to see dusk. From the viewing platform you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of Australia’s largest city, including Sydney’s beaches, harbour and the Blue Mountains in the distance. 2. On the harbour You don’t know what you’re missing until you’ve experienced sunrise or sunset on the water! Take a ferry or boat cruise in the evening or first thing in the morning on Sydney Harbour. Marvel as the sky changes colour and the sun’s rays bounce off the water. 3. Hornby Lighthouse, Watson’s Bay Watch the sunrise and sunset from arguably one of Sydney’s most breathtaking coastal views, the Hornby Lighthouse. From the…

EVERY year thousands of whales make the journey from Antarctica to the warmer waters along Australia’s east coast. From July to October it’s easy enough to hit the road in your hire car from Sydney or Brisbane and drive along our coastline to catch a glimpse of migrating Humpback whales. Here are seven places you can shoot one – with a camera, of course. We love them. Cape Byron State Conservation Area Where: 165km south west of Brisbane Australia’s most easterly point, Byron Bay, is perfect for whale watching. The 3.7 km Cape Byron walking track is the conservation park’s main trail. Begin at the Cape Byron Lighthouse, where you’ll learn from volunteers about these fascinating creatures before strolling through rainforest and beaches where you’ll spot breaching humpbacks. Port Macquarie whale watching tours Where: 385km north east of Sydney The abundance of marine life off Port Macquarie’s shoreline makes it ideal for migrating whales between June and October. Observe them…